Computer input stylus and texture control system

ABSTRACT

A computer-input stylus which provides texture control when utilized in conjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawing application. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body in a conical tip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate the conical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color within the software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback. Texture selection is accomplished utilizing a texture selection input actuator mounted to the cylindrical body of the input stylus. The texture selection input actuator, such as a trackpoint device, is utilized to vary the texture of a selected color or pattern.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to an improved computer systemand in particular to improvements in computer-implemented drawingapplications. Still more particularly, the present invention relates toa system for providing input stylus texture control in acomputer-implemented drawing application.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Modern computer systems are finding application in many diverse areas ofthe traditional workplace. Computer systems and associated softwareapplications are commonly utilized in database creation/management,accounting systems, word processing and other typical office processes.

More recently, computer systems are finding application innon-traditional computer applications such as music, architecture andthe arts. Many different software applications are available whichpermit a computer user to compose and play musical compositions, draftand revise three-dimensional architectural plans and create or "paint"artistic compositions.

Computer-implemented drawing programs commonly utilize a so-called"graphical pointing device" to designate locations within a computerdisplay for "painting" a portion of an artistic composition. One exampleof such a "graphical pointing device" is the "mouse." Utilizing a mouse,a user may graphically select commands or options and/or designatelocations within the computer display for application of such commandsand options.

Another common computer input device for utilization withcomputer-implemented drawing applications is the light pen or stylus.Such a device is typically utilized in conjunction with an input pad orthe surface of the computer display to enter graphic elements into acomputer-created drawing. Typically, a color or pattern is selected froma palette or menu within the drawing application utilizing key strokesor mouse clicks, and that color or pattern is then applied to locationswithin the computer display utilizing the light pen or stylus.

While the aforementioned approach works well, it is non-analogous to thereal world in that the artist must constantly divert his or her gazefrom the work in progress to the computer-provided color palette inorder to verify that the appropriate color and/or texture has beenselected.

It therefore should be apparent that it would be advantageous to providean input device for computer-based drawing applications which allows theuser to quickly and efficiently select and change textures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide animproved computer system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedcomputer-implemented drawing application.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a systemfor providing input stylus texture control in a computer-implementeddrawing application.

The foregoing objects are achieved as is now described. A computer-inputstylus is provided which provides texture control when utilized inconjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawingapplication. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body and a conicaltip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate theconical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color withinthe software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback.Texture selection is accomplished utilizing a texture selection inputactuator mounted to the cylindrical body of the input stylus. Thetexture selection input actuator, such as a trackpoint device, isutilized to vary the texture of a selected color or pattern.

The above, as well as additional objectives, features and advantages ofthe present invention, will become apparent in the following detailedwritten description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof,will best be understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a computer system which may be utilized toimplement the computer input stylus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of the computer system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway pictorial version of the computer-inputstylus of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4D are pictorial representations of varied textures/patternswhich may be created utilizing the computer input stylus of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 5 is a high-level logic flowchart illustrating a process forcontrolling the selection of texture utilizing the computer-input stylusof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the figures and, in particular, with reference toFIG. 1, there is depicted a data processing system 20 which may beutilized to practice the present invention. As illustrated, dataprocessing system 20 includes processor 22, keyboard 82 and display 96.Keyboard 82 is coupled to processor 22 by cable 28. Display 96 includesa display screen 30, which may be implemented utilizing a cathode raytube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an electrode luminescentpanel or other similar display device. The data processing system 20also may include a pointing device which may be implemented utilizing atrackball, joystick, touch-sensitive tablet or screen, track path or, asillustrated, a mouse. Processor 22 also may be coupled to one or moreperipheral devices such as a modem, CD-ROM or network adapter (notshown) or a floppy disk drive 40, which may be internal or external tothe enclosure of processor 22. An output device such as printer 100 alsomay be coupled to processor 22.

Additionally, in accordance with an important feature of the presentinvention, a computer-input stylus 92 also is coupled to processor 22.Computer-input stylus 92 may be utilized, in a manner which will be setforth in greater detail herein, to draw or "paint" an artisticcomposition on display screen 30 within display 96. It also should benoted and recognized by those persons of ordinary skill in the art thatdisplay 96 and keyboard 82 may be implemented utilizing any one ofseveral known standard available components.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a high-level block diagramwhich illustrates selected components which may be included within dataprocessing system 20 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention. As depicted, data processing system 20 is preferablycontrolled primarily by computer-readable instructions, which may be inthe form of software, wherever or by whatever means such software isstored or accessed. Such software may be executed within centralprocessing unit (CPU) 50 to cause data processing system 20 to do work.For example, in accordance with an important feature of the presentinvention, a computer-implemented software drawing application may bestored within memory within data processing system 20 and executedwithin central processing unit (CPU) 50 to assist in the creation of anartistic composition within data processing system 20.

Memory devices coupled to system bus 5 include random-access memory(RAM) 56, read-only memory (ROM) 58 and non-volatile memory 60. Suchmemories include circuitry that allows information to be stored andretrieved. Read-only memory contains data which cannot be modified. Datastored within random-access memory can be changed by CPU 50 or otherhardware devices. Non-volatile memory is memory that does not lose datawhen power is removed. Non-volatile memories include ROM, E-PROM, flashmemory or battery-pack CMOS RAM. As shown in FIG. 2, such battery-packCMOS RAM may be used to store configuration information.

An expansion card or board is a circuit board which includes chips orother electronic components which, when connected to a data processingsystem, add functions or resources to that system. Typically, suchexpansion cards may add memory, disk-drive controllers 66, videosupport, parallel and serial ports and internal modems. For laptop,palmtop and other portable computers, expansion cards usually take theform of PC cards, which are credit-card-sized devices designed to pluginto a slot in the side or back of a computer. One example of such aslot is the PCMCIA slot (Personal Computer Memory Card InternationalAssociation) which defines type I, II and III card slots. Thus, emptyslots 68 depicted within FIG. 2 may be utilized to receive various typesof expansion cards or PCMCIA cards.

Disk controller 66 and diskette controller 70 both include specialpurpose integrated circuits and associated circuitry which direct andcontrol reading from and writing to hard disk drive 72 and floppy diskor diskette 74, respectively. Such disk controllers handle tasks such aspositioning read/write heads, mediating between the drive and CPU 50,and controlling the transfer of information to and from memory. A singledisk controller may be able to control more than one disk drive.

CD-ROM controller 76 may be included in data processing system 20 forreading data from CD-ROM 78 (compact disk read-only memory). SuchCD-ROMs use laser optics rather than magnetic means for reading data.

Keyboard/mouse controller 80 is provided in data processing system 20for interfacing with keyboard 82 and communications link 84.Communications link 84 may be coupled to a pointing device which may beused to control an on-screen element such as a graphical pointer orcurser, which may take the form of an arrow having a hotspot thatspecifies the location of the pointer when the user presses a mousebutton. Other pointing devices, including graphics tablets, joysticks,trackballs, trackpads and the pointing device sold under the trademark"Track Point" by International Business Machines Corporation also may beutilized.

In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, dataprocessing system 20 may communicate with stylus 92 utilizing styluscontroller 88. Stylus controller 88 is typically attached to system bus5 in the form of a serial port. Additionally, communications link 91between stylus 92 and stylus controller 88 may take the form of a wirecable, an infrared link or a radio-frequency link, utilizingcommunication techniques which are well-known to those having ordinaryskill in the art. As is typical with serial ports, stylus controller 88transmits information between CPU 50 and stylus 92 one bit at a timeover a single line. Serial communication may be synchronous (controlledby some standard such as a clock) or asynchronous (managed by theexchange of control signals that govern the flow of information).Examples of serial communication standards include RS-232 interface andthe RS-422 interface. As illustrated, stylus controller 88 then may beutilized to communicate with stylus 92.

However, as those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate uponreference to the present disclosure, stylus 92 also may communicate withdata processing system 20 via a parallel port if such communication isdesired. The equivalence of communication between a peripheral deviceand a processing system via serial or parallel ports is well-known tothose having ordinary skill in the art.

In the depicted embodiment of the present invention, stylus 92 includesa texture selection input actuator, such as a trackpoint device, whichis preferably coupled to keyboard mouse controller 80 via communicationslink 84, to control texture selection in a manner which will beexplained in greater detail herein.

Network adapter 90 also may be utilized to connect data processingsystem to a local area network. Local area networks may provide computerusers with a means for communicating and transferring software andinformation electronically. Additionally, such network may providedistributed processing, which involves several computers in the sharingof workloads or cooperative efforts in performing a task.

Display 96, which is controlled by display controller 98, is utilized todisplay visual output generated by data processing system 20. Suchvisual output may include text, graphics, animated graphics and video.Display 96 may be implemented with a cathode-ray-tube-based videodisplay, a liquid-crystal-based flat panel display or a gas-plasma-basedflat panel display. Display controller 98 preferably includes electroniccomponents which are required to generate video signals which are sentto display 96 and which are necessary to detect the presence of the tipof stylus 92 at various locations on display screen 30.

Printer 100 also is depicted as coupled to data processing system 20 viaparallel controller 102. Printer 100 may be utilized to put text orother computer-generated images, or combinations thereof, on paper or onanother medium such as a transparency sheet. Other types of printers mayinclude an image setter, a plotter or a film recorder.

Parallel controller 102 may be utilized to send multiple data andcontrol bits simultaneously over a plurality of wires connected betweensystem bus 5 and another parallel communication device, such as printer100, or stylus 92.

Thus, as depicted, CPU 50 fetches, decodes and executes instructions andtransfers information to and from other resources via the computer'smain data-transfer path system bus 5. Such a bus connects the componentsin a data processing system 20 and defines the medium for data exchange.System bus 5 connects together and allows for the exchange of databetween memory units 56, 58 and 60; CPU 50; and other devices depictedwithin FIG. 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a dataprocessing system constructed in accordance with the present inventionmay have multiple components selected from the foregoing, includingmultiple processors.

With reference now to FIG. 3, there is depicted a partially cutawaypictorial view of computer input stylus 92 of the present invention. Asdepicted, computer-input stylus 92 may be connected to data processingsystem 20 via communications link 91 which may be implemented utilizinga wire, infrared or radio frequency link to data processing system 20,and computer-input stylus 92 may be connected to keyboard mousecontroller 80 via communications link 84.

As illustrated, computer-input stylus 92 includes a cylindrical body 110and a conical stylus tip 124. Depicted in the cutaway portion ofcylindrical body 110 is a printed circuit board 112 which serves tomount various electronic components including communications circuit 114and color driver circuit 116. Also mounted to printed circuit board 112are multiple light-emitting diodes. Specifically, red light-emittingdiode 118, green light-emitting diode 120 and blue light-emitting diode122. In accordance with an important feature of the present invention,when a color value is selected from the computer-based palette of asoftware-based drawing application, control signals indicative of thatcolor value are transferred from data processing system 20 tocomputer-input stylus 92 via communications link 91. Those signals arereceived by communications circuit 114 and translated into controlsignals for use by color driver 116.

Thus, in the depicted embodiment of the present invention, pulses ofvarying widths may be applied to each light-emitting diode in turn, andin a manner well-known to those having skill in the color-graphics art,by combining various-level outputs from each of the three primary-colorlight-emitting diodes, it will be possible to create a resultant colorwhich is identical to the color selected within the computer-basedpalette of the computer-implemented software-based drawing application.

Of course, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatproduction tolerances in light-emitting diodes may vary, and it may benecessary to calibrate the output of light-emitting diodes 118, 120 and122. This may be simply and easily accomplished prior to utilizingcolor-input stylus 92 by comparing the resultant output color with adisplay color present on display screen 30 of display 96 in order toachieve the desired color level.

Next, in accordance with an important feature of the present invention,a bundle of fiber-optic cables 126 is mounted within conical stylus tip124. One end of the bundle of fiber-optic cables 126 extends from thetip of conical stylus tip 124 and serves as the output point forcomputer-input stylus 92. The remaining ends of the bundle offiber-optic cables 126 are mounted in the vicinity of light-emittingdiodes 118, 120 and 122 and receive, from those diodes, radiation which,when combined, results in the production of a selected color whichmatches the color selected within the computer-implemented softwaredrawing application.

In this depicted embodiment of the present invention, conical stylus tip124 is preferably provided having a mirrored inner surface so that lightemitted by light-emitting diodes 118, 120 and 122 will be primarilyabsorbed by the bundle of fiber-optic cables 126 and output at theextended tip thereof. In this manner, as those skilled in the art willappreciate upon reference thereto, the tip of computer-input stylus 92will be illuminated with a color which is identical to the colorselected from the computer-based palette within the drawing application.Thus, the artist utilizing computer-input stylus 92 can perceive thecolor which is about to be applied by viewing the tip of the stylus in amanner analogous to viewing the tip of a paintbrush which has beendipped into a selected paint color.

Next, in accordance with an important feature of the present invention,computer-input stylus 92 includes a texture selection input actuator128. As illustrated, texture selection input actuator 128 is a devicewhich converts force to motion of a pointing element, such as thetrackpoint device manufactured by International Business MachinesCorporation of Armonk, N.Y. In this manner, as will be explained ingreater detail below, texture selection input actuator 128 may beutilized to select and/or vary a texture or a pattern from among thetextures or patterns available within a computer-provided color palette.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, there are depicted pictorialrepresentations of varied textures/patterns which may be createdutilizing the computer-input stylus of the present invention.

As illustrated, FIG. 4A depicts a simulated wood-grain pattern. Suchpatterns are commonly available in computer-implemented drawing programsand may be selected by a user utilizing a menu or other well-knownuser-interface devices.

Next, referring to FIG. 4B, it may be seen that the simulated wood-grainpattern of FIG. 4A is identically present; however, the spacing betweenelements of the pattern has been altered. This may be accomplished byspecifying numerically different spacing for each pattern element, or inaccordance with the method and system of the present invention, textureselection input actuator 128 may be utilized by the user to dynamicallyand continuously vary the spacing between pattern elements.

Finally, as depicted in FIG. 4C, the simulated woodgrain pattern ofFIGS. 4A and 4B also is present, with a pattern-spacing element whichhas been further modified to place the elements of the pattern closertogether.

Upon reference to these figures, those skilled in the art willappreciate that, when utilizing texture selection input actuator 28, itis possible to dynamically and continuously vary the spacing betweenpattern elements from the pattern depicted in FIG. 4A to the patterndepicted in FIG. 4C, as illustrated in FIG. 4D, greatly enhancing thenatural appearance of the simulated wood-grain in a manner which will beappreciated by those having skill in the artistic arts.

Further, upon reference to this disclosure, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the method and system of the present invention maybe utilized to vary shading, shadowing or color within a predeterminedportion of the color spectrum in a predetermined fashion utilizing theinput signals generated by texture selection input actuator 28. In thismanner, computer-input stylus 92 may be utilized in the manner of apaintbrush or the like and applied to dynamically vary the appearance ofa color or pattern within a given section of a drawing created utilizinga computer-implemented drawing program.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 5, there is depicted a high-level logicflowchart which illustrates a process for controlling the computer-inputstylus of the present invention. As depicted, this process begins atblock 140, thereafter passing to block 142. Block 142 illustrates theinitiation of the software-based drawing program and the loading ofstylus drivers. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat such stylus drivers will be drivers which will generate thenecessary control signals to create a color illumination within the tipof computer-input stylus 92 which corresponds to the color selectedwithin the drawing program. Next, the process passes to block 144.

Block 144 illustrates the calibration of the stylus colors. This may beaccomplished, as discussed above, by comparing the tip of computer-inputstylus 92 to a display within the display screen 30 of data processingsystem 20 and varying the output to achieve a match. The currentsapplied to each of the light-emitting diodes may be carefully adjustedto achieve calibration which overcomes any process irregularities. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, such calibration data maybe stored within computer memory, and calibration will not be requiredon a frequent basis. Additionally, computer-input stylus 92 may beimplemented utilizing the ICM (Image Color Matching) protocols inWindows 95, a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.

Next, the process passes to block 146 for a determination of whether ornot the calibration process is complete. If not, the process merelyiterates until such time as calibration has occurred. After calibrationis complete, the process passes to block 148. Block 148 illustrates theselection of a color by the user from the computer-based color paletteutilized with the drawing program selected for implementation.Thereafter, the process passes to block 150.

Block 150 illustrates the illumination of the stylus tip in a manner setforth above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. Thereafter, the processpasses to block 152. Block 152 illustrates a determination of whether ornot trackpoint movement indicating new texture parameters have beenselected is detected. If new texture parameters have not been selected,the process passes to block 154. Block 154 illustrates a determinationof whether or not the application has terminated and, if not, theprocess returns in an iterative fashion to block 150 and continues toilluminate the tip of computer input stylus 92. If, however, theapplication has been terminated, the process passes to block 156 andreturns.

Referring again to block 152, in the event new texture parameters havebeen selected by the user, as indicated by trackpoint movement, theprocess passes to block 158. Block 158 illustrates the calculation ofthe new texture/pattern signals, and those signals are then passed tocomputer input stylus 92, and the process returns in an iterativefashion to block 150, where the stylus tip continues to be illuminatedwith a color identical to the selected color. Texture/pattern variationsmay comprise variations in the spacing between elements of a pattern, asillustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D, or variations in shading, shadowing or colorin a predetermined fashion.

Upon reference to the foregoing, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the Applicants have provided a computer input stylus inwhich the texture or pattern applied by the stylus can be varied by auser within a drawing application utilizing a texture selection inputactuator located on the stylus. In this manner, the stylus assumes areal-world analogy to a paintbrush in that the stylus can be utilized bythe user to vary the texture and/or pattern of a color as it is applied.

We claim:
 1. A computer-input stylus for use with a computer-implementedsoftware drawing application, said computer-input stylus comprising:acylindrical body sized to be grasped by a human hand; a tip attached tosaid cylindrical body; a color display within said tip for illuminatingsaid tip with a selected color indicative of a color currently selectedwithin said software drawing application; and control means mounted tosaid cylindrical body for altering a selection of a texture of a colorwithin said software drawing application.
 2. The computer-input stylusaccording to claim 1 wherein said color display comprises a plurality oflight-emitting diodes.
 3. The computer-input stylus according to claim 1further including communication means for coupling said control means toa computer.
 4. The computer-input stylus according to claim 1 whereinsaid control means comprises a trackpoint device mounted to saidcylindrical body.
 5. A computer drawing system comprising:a processor; adisplay coupled to said processor for displaying images; a softwaredrawing application operational within said processor for creating colorimages within said display in response to user inputs designatingselected colors and locations; and an input stylus coupled to saidprocessor for designating locations within said display, said inputstylus comprising:a cylindrical body sized to be grasped by a humanhand; a tip attached to said cylindrical body; a color display withinsaid tip for illuminating said tip with a selected color indicative of acolor currently selected within said software drawing application; andcontrol means mounted to said cylindrical body for altering a selectionof a texture of a color within said software drawing application.
 6. Thecomputer drawing system according to claim 5 wherein said color displaycomprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes.
 7. The computer drawingsystem according to claim 5 further including a communications means forcoupling said control means to said processor.
 8. The computer drawingsystem according to claim 5 wherein said control means comprises atrackpoint device mounted to said cylindrical body.